A. There are no absolute rules for development of the teeth. Usually tooth eruption occurs between 5 to 9 months of age, often starting with the central incisors. On rare occasions, teething may be delayed up to 20 months old for no apparent medical reason.

If delayed tooth eruption is noted after 12 months of age, the baby should be brought to the pediatrician to rule out or make sure that the child doesn't have any disorder of the thyroid glands, parathyroid glands or the ectoderm. A dental X-Ray can be done. If the X-Ray shows dentum in alveolae then the parents can be assured that the delay in teething is just simply delayed.

About The Author: Minette Reyes-Bautista, M.D. is a pediatrician, St. Luke's Medical Center, Quezon City. She is also Immunization Officer at St. Luke's Extension Clinic, a Diplomate of the Philippine Pediatric Society, a member of St. Luke's Pediatric Alumni Association, and a member of Doctors in Touch. She is a wife, a mother to an adorable four year old and an advocate for the environment.